cabin heaters

[glasply1]

Is there a the safe and effective non-flaming heater that I can use to warm the cabin of my boat while I'm trolling during the winter with my kicker motor (15hp 2 stroke)? The heat from the main engine (chev 350 with fresh water cooling) lasts only for a little while after it is shut off and some trolling routes take quite a while. Even with the cabin door closed it can get quite cold as I still like to keep a window or two ajar for a little fresh air. I prefer not to troll with the main engine as subsequent performance suffers from running too long at a low rpm. The cabin has a two-burner alcohol stove that I don't like to use unless I'm at the dock. Thanks for your ideas and comments.

 

[SwampNut]

Re: cabin heaters

Not sure what you mean by non-flaming, but there are propane catalytic heaters that should be pretty safe. They don't "flame" but of course they do burn propane. I haven't yet investigated how much CO they put out.<br /><br />Does that little outboard have any electrical generation? Or do you have a gen on board?

 

[magster65]

Re: cabin heaters

I think the propane heater Swampnut's referring to is the best you can do unless you buy a 'mounted' type. I have one of these units but with the glass door so you can see the pretty flame. I have the same set-up... a 350 w/ a buss heater and therefor the same issues. This is the answer. It doesn't use much propane and keeps the cabin nice and cozy even on cold windy nights. The only downside is that they're a little pricey.<br />

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: cabin heaters

Originally posted by richmllr:<br />[QB The cabin has a two-burner alcohol stove that I don't like to use unless I'm at the dock. [/QB]

Personally,I wouldnt even use an alcohal stove at the dock.It sounds like you are looking for a recipe for disaster.Dont think there is anything safe enough to consider using.

 

[magster65]

Re: cabin heaters

Yeah, I watched a boat burn down in McKenzie bay, Saanich inlet about 15 years ago. A few of us were rafted up about a 1/4 mile from this guy. First we saw some smoke, then there was yelling and waving. The 'fast little' boat in our group went over with a fire extinguisher but it was too late. The fella' had to hop off onto our 'rescue boat' as soon as it got there. It was an older decent lookin' home-made cabin cruiser about 25', it burned down pretty quick. The guy wanted a coffee so he filled up the stove, lit it then accidentally dropped the alcohol container on the counter and it spilled. Poof, instant fire that spread before he could put it out. I felt really sorry for the guy. He was so upset. Ever since I don't trust those things... <br />even though it wasn't really the stoves fault.

 

[NC22]

Re: cabin heaters

I use the Mr Buddy heater in my deer stands. They come in two diff. sizes. one is a 4000 \ 9000 btu (aprox 75 dollars) and the other is a 4000 \ 9000 \ 18000 btu unit (aprox. 120 dollars). They are safe to use indoors and are ventless. They run on either small bottles of LP or the larger tanks. Neither one use electricity, but the larger one does have an internal fan which runs off of batteries. They both start with a peizo starter, and they are flameless.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: cabin heaters

Originally posted by nutcup22:<br /> They are safe to use indoors and are ventless. They run on either small bottles of LP or the larger tanks. They both start with a peizo starter, and they are flameless.

And if it tips over from a passing wake .............

 

[tommays]

Re: cabin heaters

i don't no all the years on 3 day sailboat races we managed to cook hot meals in water that was worse than i would every go out in in my powerboat and all it took was COMMON SENSE to do it safely.<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[NC22]

Re: cabin heaters

Originally posted by crazy charlie:<br />

Originally posted by nutcup22:<br /> They are safe to use indoors and are ventless. They run on either small bottles of LP or the larger tanks. They both start with a peizo starter, and they are flameless.

And if it tips over from a passing wake .............

Mr Heater Big Buddy Heater<br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />The Big Buddy Heater now takes portable heating to a new level with its integrated hot air blowing system - Ideal for use indoors, the Portable Buddy Heater has an automatic low-oxygen shut-off system which turns the unit off before the area in your blind, tent or camper can fill with dangerous carbon monoxide. 18,000 BTU output with the capacity to heat up to 400 sq ft of space for up to 220 hours on low position with the use of a 20 lb tank.<br />• Safe - Low Oxygen shutoff pilot safety system for Indoor & Outdoor use<br />• Integrated Hot Air Blowing system - A/C adapter or 4 D cell batteries<br />• Adjustable - 3 heat settings 4,000 - 9,000 - 18,000 BTU's<br />• Versatile - Portable tabletop use or can be wall mounted<br />• Convenient - Built in Ignition system<br /> <br /> <br />Note the versatile section. It can be wall mounted.<br /><br />Sorry, I should have posted this info with the original post.

 

[glasply1]

Re: cabin heaters

The Buddy Heater I have works fine. Once I used it and apparently didn't have the fuel canister hooked up properly. Got a little flame around the outside. Fortunately I stayed calm and took it out of the cabin where I was able to get the fuel hooked up the right way. I'm going to dust it off and give it another try outside in my yard. Thanks to all of you for your comments and sage advice. Hoping to keep my eyebrows and whatever hair I have left on top of the old bean!

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: cabin heaters

Just a thought.....<br /> <br /> Propane is heavier than air, which would allow any leakage of unburnt fumes to collect in the bilge, add a source if ignition and BOOM!<br /><br />Correct me if I'm wrong on this.....<br /><br /> Cheers,<br /> Snow.

 

[glasply1]

Re: cabin heaters

Thanks for your reminder. The fumes were from a portable heater (Buddy) that I was using in the enclosed cabin on my 24' boat. Since then I have resorted to just adding more clothes, especially thermals, although they can be quite bulky. How do you adjust for the cold winters while boating in BC (a wonderful place for fishing, scenery, etc.)?